The All Island Fisher Folk Trade Union says that the Fisheries Minister's silence regarding the arrest of a group of Chinese fishermen in Sri Lankan seas is a problematic situation giving rise to suspicion.

Union Chairman Anura Roshaantha said that although it had been said earlier that Chinese fishermen do not fish within Sri Lankan sea limits, this statement has by now been proved to be false.

The All Island Fisher Folk Trade Union Chairman further stated that if the Fisheries Minister cannot protect the country's sea limits from foreign fishermen, he should resign.

The navy on Sunday apprehended two fishing vessels and 37 persons of Chinese Nationality engaged in fishing while violating the country's sea limits.

The group which had been arrested 10 - 12 nautical miles east of Batticaloa has not been produced before court as yet.